1930 Martin 000-45

This is a real deal 1930 Martin 000-45. Let’s get right in it - The guitar is in pretty great condition overall, with a few quirks that keep it from fully attaining “museum status”. The finish is non-original, and the bridge has been replaced. There are also three top cracks, which were repaired with hot hide glue via Woodsongs Luthiere in Boulder, CO. No cleats were used. 

The inevitable neck reset has been done, with a wedged fingerboard extension and the guitar plays fabulously with a 7 64ths action on the bass side and 5 64ths on the treble when tuned to standard pitch. The neck has 6 thousandths of relief and there is lots of saddle profile left for adjustments. The bridge profile is 5/16 and the saddle profile is 7/64 on the bass side and 6/64 on the treble side. 

Woodsongs Luthiere suspects that this guitar could be a full body overspray as opposed to a refinish. The evidence for this is sound enough, but I’m pricing this guitar for the more likely scenario that it is a refinish in attempts to protect the buyer’s investment on this incredible piece. If you have more specific questions about the finish, or anything else as it relates to this instrument’s structure, I’m more than happy to go into greater detail via phone, or even coordinate communication between you and the luthier who assessed and maintained it. Obviously transparency and accuracy is paramount when describing things of this value.

It comes with the original case as well as a white (Calgary) Calton for proper protection. The sound of this guitar is jaw-dropping. The expansiveness of its voice is immediately apparent, no matter what style or genre you play. It has a very full, yet articulate bass response with lots of “bloom” in the low-mids. The mid-range has that woody sophistication about that it seems to be pretty much unattainable in a non-vintage instrument. The trebles are just flat out inspiring. It’s extremely light in weight, so you can really feel it pumping air as you play it. I string it exclusively with custom lights (.11 gauge) which seems to be more than enough to adequately drive the top. I’ve gotten to know this guitar very well over the years and many of its qualities still astound me.

I’m selling this guitar for a good friend of mine - it’s the crown of his collection, and as he approaches retirement, the time has come for him to pursue other passions in his life. This process is of course bittersweet for me, too since I’ve been its caretaker for quite awhile and have quite gotten used to having it around. I’ve learned a lot from this old Martin and I suppose it’s time for it to inspire and mystify the next guitar enthusiast.  

The asking price is $58,000. I'll try my best to include shipping cost in our negotiations, though I encourage an in-person pickup. International sales are unlikely. I’m local to the front range - Thanks!